A temporary foreign worker who lost her status after being injured on her way to work has been granted the right to stay in Canada.
Vicky Venancio found out Friday that she has been granted a two-year, open-work permit during a visit from Edmonton-Sherwood Park MP Tim Uppal.
“I felt like I am dreaming about it. It has been a while that we are fighting for it. It is really good news for us.
“At least now, despite my situation, I am able to work and contribute something for our society.”
Uppal said the permit will allow Venancio to stay in Canada while her permanent resident application is considered.
“The other application she has will take some time. That will be assessed by our highly-trained immigration officials so we want to ensure she has enough time for that process to take place.”
Venancio came to work in Canada in 2011 but seven months after she arrived she was injured while riding her bike to her job at McDonald’s.
She was declared a quadriplegic and through the ReWalk program at the University of Alberta Venancio has been taking physiotherapy, which she said helped her regain her independence.
“I am able to use my walker and stand in the kitchen, go to dining room and prepare my lunch or whatever.”
Venancio’s health benefits had been cut off when she lost her job due to her situation, something that Uppal expects will be reinstated.
“There have been some commitments made by the province as well regarding her health care, which is under their jurisdiction. So, we will work with the province to ensure that Vicky has the health care that she needs.”
Venancio said she is excited to find a job and start contributing to society again. She added that she was simply happy to have two more years in Canada.
“At least I am able to have my two years sleep without fear that when I wake up in the morning they are going to send me home.”
With files from Amanda Anderson
